Overview

To support current and future socioeconomic activities, it is essential to enhance cities, nations, and infrastructure as robust systems and manage them efficiently and effectively. Our laboratory delves into theories, policies, and methodologies to realize sustainable and resilient cities and national territories for the future. Through empirical research leveraging urban data and practical studies conducted on-site, we focus on four key themes: (1) Urban and National Planning, and Infrastructure Development and Management, (2) Urban Regeneration and Conservation, (3) Urban Resilience, and (4) Utilization of Geospatial Information and Digital Urban Infrastructure. We approach these themes with interdisciplinary and international perspectives, ensuring that our research outcomes are applied to real-world problem-solving and contribute to society.

(1) Urban and National Planning, and Infrastructure Development and Management

We are conducting research on theories, policies, and infrastructure development related to urban and national planning as well as social infrastructure development, focusing on the following areas:

  • Urban and National Planning：Examining desirable approaches to social infrastructure development and regional transportation systems aimed at achieving sustainable and balanced national development, as well as fostering inter-regional cooperation.
  • Urban Planning and Community Development：Addressing challenges such as urban spatial transformation caused by motorization and urban sprawl, the advancement of zoning and land use planning, and their environmental and socio-economic impacts, with the goal of creating attractive and vibrant urban spaces.
  • Transportation and Mobility Planning：Building efficient and sustainable transportation and mobility systems through inclusive and equitable approaches.

These themes are approached from the perspective of planning theories, policy analysis, and infrastructure development strategies.

Key Related References

  • Takahiro Hara, Tetsuharu Oba, Junichi Susaki, and Yoshie Ishii (2024). Spatial Transition of Innovation Focused on Railway Stations: A Case Study of Patent Applications in Japan from 1980 to 2019, Asian Journal of Geoinformatics, 24, AJG-2312017.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.30217/AJG.202408_24(2).0004
  • Tetsuharu Oba and Hiroyuki Iseki (2020). Transportation Impacts on Cityscape Preservation: Spatial Distribution and Attributes of Surface Parking Lots in the Historic Central Districts, Journal of Urban Planning and Development, 146(2).
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)UP.1943-5444.0000559
  • Tetsuharu Oba (2018). Spatiotemporal pattern analysis of the location of coin-operated surface parking lots in historical central districts: Based on three field reconnaissance surveys of the central areas in Kyoto City between 2011-2017, Journal of the City Planning Institute of Japan, 53(3), pp.762-769.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.11361/journalcpij.53.762
  • Tetsuharu Oba, Ryoji Matsunaka, Dai Nakagawa, and Kazuaki Inoue (2013). Analysis of the Relationship between Urban Characters and Physical Activity Levels Based on the Travel Behavior Data, Journal of the City Planning Institute of Japan, 48(1), pp.73-81.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.11361/journalcpij.48.73

(2) Urban Regeneration and Conservation

We are conducting research on policies, systems, and practices related to urban regeneration and conservation as a form of urban social management that addresses urban growth and change while meeting contemporary needs. Key themes include:

  • Urban and Regional Revitalization and Central City Activation: Rebuilding regional appeal and generating new vitality to establish sustainable urban societies, including initiatives like regional revitalization.
  • Urban Redevelopment: Revitalizing regional economies and social environments by improving aging urban infrastructure and buildings through projects such as the construction of high-rise residences, mixed-use facilities, area renovations, and urban infrastructure development.
  • Sustainable Conservation of Historic Environments: Preserving historic assets, including the cultural and historical environment of Kyoto, such as Kyo-machiya (traditional townhouses) and historic landscapes.

This research focuses on creating urban societies that are adaptable to modern challenges while preserving their historical and cultural essence.

Key Related References

  • Avrami, E.[eds.] (2019). Preservation and the New Data Landscape, Columbia University Press.(Chapter：Perspectives on Data in Urban Historic Preservation Policy (Coauthor：Douglas S. Noonan and Tetsuharu Oba))
    ISBN：978-1-9413-3248-1
  • Tetsuharu Oba and Douglas S. Noonan (2020). The Price of Preserving Neighborhoods: The Unequal Impacts of Historic District Designation, Economic Development Quarterly, 34(4), pp.343-355.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.1177/0891242420941932
  • Tetsuharu Oba and Douglas S. Noonan (2017). The Many Dimensions of Historic Preservation Value: National and Local Designation, Internal and External Policy Effects, Journal of Property Research, 34(3), pp.211-232.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.1080/09599916.2017.1362027
  • Kazuhiro Sasao and Tetsuharu Oba (2023). Challenges and Prospects for Public Space Management Revealed by Value Co-creation Theories, Policy and Practice Studies, 9(1), pp.71-81.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.69287/ppseb.9.1_71

(3) Urban Resilience

Enhancing the resilience of cities and nations requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the development and management of social and economic infrastructure. It must also include strengthening social connections and preserving the environment. This approach calls for cooperation among relevant stakeholders, the formulation of appropriate policies and systems based on scientific evidence, and effective communication of information. In response, we are conducting research on planning theories for “Urban Resilience,” focusing on building cities and nations capable of adapting to natural disasters and social changes. This includes fostering physical, social, and economic resilience.

Key Related References

  • Tetsuharu Oba, Naoko Kuriyama, Ryoga Ishihara, Youichi Ohshima, Eriko Oka, Hitomi Tsujikawa, Yui Matsumoto, Hiroyuki Miyabe, and Kyohei Morita (2024). Gap Filler’s Challenges and Trajectory by Creative Placemaking in the Wake of the Earthquake Disaster, Reports of the City Planning Institute of Japan, 22(4), pp.787-792.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.11361/reportscpij.22.4_787
  • Tetsuharu Oba (2020). Causal Effect of Undergrounding and Utility Pole Removal Projects on Nearby Land Prices Considering the Timing of the Project Start, Underground Work, and Removal, Infrastructure Planning and Management Vol.37 (Special Issue), 75(6), pp.I_181-I_190.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.2208/jscejipm.75.6_I_181
  • Tetsuharu Oba (2019). Effect of Undergrounding and Utility Pole Removal Projects on Land Prices Considering the Heterogeneity of Spatial and Price Ranges: Quantile Regression for Past Data from Undergrounding and Utility Pole Removal Projects in Kyoto City from FY 1986 to FY, Journal of the City Planning Institute of Japan, 54(3), pp.464-471.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.11361/journalcpij.54.464
  • Tetsuharu Oba, Yoshitaka Aoyama, Dai Nakagawa, and Yuka Karatani (2006). Economic evaluation on the sustainability of conservation about Kyo-machiya and the scenery by local mutual aid, Journal of the City Planning Institute of Japan, 41(3), pp.241-246.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.11361/journalcpij.41.3.241

(4) Utilization of Geospatial Information and Digital Urban Infrastructure

We are conducting research on methodologies for next-generation smart city development and infrastructure management, focusing on the utilization of geospatial information and digital urban infrastructure, which are rapidly advancing across various fields, including but not limited to areas (1) through (3). This research encompasses activities such as data collection, analysis, visualization, and the development and application of technologies, with the goal of enhancing urban sustainability and efficiency while enabling data-driven decision-making to address urban challenges.

Key Related References

  • Tetsuharu Oba (2022). “Chapter 14: Urban Surveys and Urban Analysis” (Co-authored). In Masanori Sawaki and Koichi Kana (Eds.): Illustrated Urban Planning, Gakugei Publishing.
    ISBN：978-4-7615-2832-4
  • Tetsuharu Oba, Tetsu Yoshida, and Dai Nakagawa (2008). A Study on the Influence of Spatial Characteristics of the Central Commercial District of Kyoto City on the Illegally-parked Bicycles and its Special Variability, Journal of the City Planning Institute of Japan, 43(3), pp.871-876.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.11361/journalcpij.43.3.871
  • Tetsuharu Oba, Yuka Karatani, Dai Nakagawa, and Yoshitaka Aoyama (2006). A Study on the Neighborhood Externalities of Traditional Wooden Houses in Kyoto City, Doboku Gakkai Ronbunshuu D, 62(2), pp.227-238.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.2208/jscejd.62.227